After a practical description of the endoscopic anatomy, the first part of the book deals with such topics as preparing and positioning the patient, anaesthesia, operation theatre layout and operating team, inducing pneumothorax, general operative steps, after-care in the hospital, prevention of thrombosis, prophylactic antibiotics, dangers and risks of the method, and the use of documentation. general operative steps such as thoracoscopic exploration and palpation intervention haemostasis andparenchymal leaks are described in a separate section. a special part isdevoted to the diagnostic possibilities and current indications for thoroscopy including: spontaneous pneumothorax, haemothorax, chylothorax; pleural empyema, bronchopleural fistula, extrathoracic and intrapulmonary cysts and tumours, pericardial fenestration, treatment of malignant effusions, and thoracal sympathectomy.